MANILA, Philippines? Heart Evangelista has switched channels Wednesday, signing a two-year exclusive contract with GMA-7.

Accompanied by her parents and surrounded by GMA-7 executives, Heart formally announced that she?s making the big move to the Kapuso network in a press conference at the GMA Network executive offices in Quezon City.

Although she had severed ties with ABS-CBN?s talent arm Star Magic long before Wednesday?s signing, Heart was still one of the Lopez network?s marquee stars even without an exclusive arrangement.

With the exclusive GMA-7 contract, Heart leaves the network that made her one of the country?s most popular young stars. GMA-7 and ABS-CBN, the leading Philippine television networks, traditionally sign top artists on exclusive contracts that specifically forbid them to appear or be cast in each other?s rival shows.

Heart?s first Kapuso project is ?Asero,? an upcoming prime time GMA-7 offering where she will star opposite Richard Gutierrez and Ehra Madrigal.

Rumors of Heart?s transfer have been circulating for over a year now, but the deal was finally sealed when the singer-actress left her former management company Genesis.

She is now co-managed by her father Reynaldo Ongpauco and Annabelle Rama, Richard?s mother. Annabelle and Reynaldo have been friends for years, Heart explained.

Heart is also set to appear on the Sunday noontime musical variety show ?SOP.?

She said she and boyfriend Jericho Rosales are doing okay?even though they are now on rival networks. ?He?s in Malaysia taping a new soap.?

Heart said she couldn?t sleep for two nights before making this major career decision. ?I left it to my parents because they know what?s best.?

She said she trusted her instinct, adding quickly that ?it?s best to trust your parents.?

Annabelle said she didn?t let Heart leave from their initial meeting in Serendra until she said yes to the prospect of moving to GMA 7. ?I rode in the same car as her, to make sure she won?t pass by ABS-CBN,? Annabelle quipped in jest.

In a related development, Heart?s dad Reynaldo said that his daughter is still an endorser of Sunsilk, even though she was replaced by Nikki Gil in TV ads.

?It?s because Heart was vacationing in the US when the shampoo ad was shot,? he clarified.

Meanwhile, Atty. Felipe L. Gozon, GMA Network chairman, president and CEO, said that Heart is a welcome addition to the Kapuso roster of talents.

Gilberto Duavit Jr., GMA executive vice president and chief operating officer, on the other hand said Heart's gifts as singer-actress are perfect for the upcoming shows of
GMA 7.